Ontario’s apple season is in full swing, and growers say this year’s crop is among the best in recent memory — sweeter, more colourful, and more plentiful than last fall.
According to Ontario Apple Growers, a hot, dry summer followed by cooler late-summer evenings created near-perfect growing conditions. The heat helped boost sugar levels and flavour development, while cooler nights enhanced the fruit’s vibrant colour. “The growing conditions this year have really worked in our favour,” said Chris Hedges, chair of the growers’ association and a Norfolk County farmer. “The early apples we’re harvesting are of very high quality — about as good a crop as it could be.”
Unlike last year, farmers avoided frost, hail, and major weather setbacks, leading to a larger and healthier crop. Ontarians will find favourites like Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia in abundance, alongside more than a dozen other varieties grown across regions bordering Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Georgian Bay.
Beyond the fruit itself, growers highlight the growing appeal of pick-your-own orchards and on-farm markets, which have become popular family outings. “Buying local helps keep our sector and our economy strong,” Hedges said, noting that farmers have invested heavily in planting new orchards to meet demand.
But the season hasn’t been without its challenges. At Shuh Orchards in West Montrose, about 500 pounds of apples were allegedly stolen during the opening week of pick-your-own season. As a result, the farm has banned strollers, wagons, and backpacks, requiring apples to be picked using orchard-supplied bags. “We love opening up our orchard to the public,” farmer Tim Shuh said. “But this has to stop.”
Fresh Ontario apples are now available at grocery stores, farm markets, and orchards across the province. For those eager to pick their own, growers recommend visiting onapples.com to find a nearby farm.